Fuel-price protests widen as oil stays above $100

Fuel-price protests escalated across several nations on Wednesday as oil prices remained above $100 a barrel, leading to increased diesel and petrol costs and prompting governments to address rising public discontent over the economic impact of the Middle East conflict.

In France, fishermen at the Frontignan fuel depot near Sète and at Fos-sur-Mer near Marseille blocked depots, demanding relief from fuel expenses and challenging reduced operating conditions. Police intervened at Frontignan; government data indicated roughly 9% of French gas stations reported shortages of at least one fuel type, with higher rates in parts of Pays de la Loire and Occitanie.

France's average unleaded 95-E10 price reached nearly €2.11 per liter by week's start, while diesel averaged about €2.29 per liter, according to official figures.

The hikes were fueled by a surge in international crude and refined-product prices due to conflict disrupting supply routes through the Gulf and Red Sea. Syria experienced significant unrest, with the government raising diesel prices by 40% from 125 to 175 Syrian pounds per liter and increasing petrol prices by 26-28% on September 13.

Demonstrations expanded to cities and towns like Aleppo, Hama, Idlib, and Qamishli. The Syrian Energy Ministry attributed the price increases to high global procurement costs, the country's reliance on imported fuel, and maintenance at the Baniyas refinery. Another minor price rise occurred earlier in September.

Guatemala also witnessed road blockades due to fuel costs. Authorities cleared 34 blockades nationwide after protests disrupted major routes, including 20 in the central district. These demonstrations followed a steep rise in pump prices that led Congress to approve temporary price support through Dec. 31. The package provides 2.5 billion quetzales in assistance and authorizes budget adjustments to finance the measure.

In Guatemala, metropolitan self-service diesel prices rose to 46.37 quetzales per gallon from 44.71 a week earlier, while premium petrol increased to 43.06 quetzales from 40.58, and regular petrol climbed to 40.93 quetzales from 38.64.

Global oil market pressures, driven by ongoing war and attacks on energy infrastructure, kept Brent crude at $105.83 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate at $102.51 a barrel on Wednesday, sustaining tension on transport fuels. Saudi Arabia increased crude shipments through Oman to compensate for disruptions after attacks affected its East-West pipeline and Yanbu export route.

Struggles with the Strait of Hormuz and Russian refining/export limitations further tightened diesel availability. Diesel's importance in trucking, farming, fishing, and industrial activity made it a key concern. Record wholesale diesel prices in parts of Europe and the United States limited governments' ability to shield consumers without boosting subsidy costs.